Collapsible net apparatus, a system and a method for using same and a joint implemented with same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for a net having rods interconnected by joints. The apparatus has two types of joints. The first type of joint arranges rods linearly. The second type of joint arranges rods perpendicularly. The apparatus and/or system may be assembled and disassembled without separation and/or removal of any of its components. In addition, the apparatus and/or system may have netting which attaches to covers placed around the rods. A method for assembling the apparatus and/or system is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a collapsible net apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus having interconnected joints and rods and attached netting that allow the apparatus and/or system to be assembled and disassembled without separation and/or removal of any of the components of the apparatus as well as a system and method for using the apparatus.

[0002] It is, of course, generally known to play games and/or sports requiring a goal, such as soccer, kickball, hockey, field hockey and other like games. Often, such games are played in parks, at schools, on vacation, or the like. A net that forms a goal is generally required to play such games. A net may be constructed of various rods and joints as well as netting material fitted to the frame.

[0003] Often, the nets are very large and cumbersome. A net implemented in games such as soccer, hockey, or the like, must be assembled prior to use. However, assembling such types of nets may be both a complicated and a labor-intensive process. In addition, assembly of the frame of a net may be difficult because of the number of joints and rods implemented to give a frame its shape. Also, attaching the netting to the frame of a net is often difficult. Moreover, the net itself often becomes tangled whether the net is attached or unattached to the frame. Disassembly of the net may also be as complex, labor intensive and time-consuming as assembly thereof.

[0004] A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus, system and method that may be assembled and disassembled without requiring a great amount of time or labor. A need also exists for an apparatus, system and method including a net that may be assembled and disassembled in a simple manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides an apparatus, a system and a method having interconnected joints and rods including attached netting that allow the apparatus and/or system to be assembled and disassembled without separation and/or removal of any of the components.

[0006] To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a plurality of rods, a plurality of lateral joints, a plurality of corner joints and a locking mechanism. Each of the plurality of rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end. Each of the lateral joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods. Each of the corner joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the second end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to one of the plurality of rods. The locking mechanism is associated with each of the lateral joints and corner joints.

[0007] In an embodiment, the apparatus further has a covering on at least one of the plurality of rods.

[0008] In an embodiment, the apparatus further has a netting attached to the plurality of rods.

[0009] In an embodiment, the apparatus further has a lever associated with the locking mechanism.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for assembling a net is provided. The method has the steps of: providing a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of joints and arranging the plurality of rods and the plurality of joints to form a continuous frame without separating the plurality of rods from the plurality of joints.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method has the further step of providing a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints.

[0012] In an embodiment, the method has the further step of providing a lever associated with the locking mechanism.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method has the further step of rotating the lever to lock each of the plurality of joints to form the continuous frame.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method has the further step of attaching a netting to the plurality of rods.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, a joint apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first cap, a second cap, a hinge wherein the first cap and the second cap are connected to the hinge and a locking mechanism associated with the hinge.

[0016] In an embodiment, the joint apparatus further has an inside plate attached to the first cap and an outside plate attached to the second cap wherein the inside plate and the outside plate are connected to the hinge.

[0017] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism of the joint apparatus locks the first cap and the second cap such that the first cap and the second cap are arranged linearly.

[0018] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism of the joint apparatus locks the first cap and the second cap such that the first cap and the second cap are arranged perpendicularly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the joint apparatus further has a lever associated with the locking mechanism wherein the lever is rotatable to one position to lock the joint and further wherein the lever is rotatable to a second position to unlock the joint.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided. The system has a plurality of rods, a plurality of joints, a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints and a netting attached to the plurality of rods. Each of the plurality of rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end. Each of the plurality of joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods

[0021] In an embodiment, the system further has an inside plate associated with each of the plurality of joints, an outside plate associated with each of the plurality of joints and a hinge wherein the inside plate and the outside plate are connected to the hinge.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first cap of one of the plurality of joints and the second cap of one of the plurality of joints are arranged linearly when the one of the plurality of joints is locked.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first cap of one of the plurality of joints and the second cap of one of the plurality of joints are arranged perpendicularly when the one of the plurality of joints is locked.

[0024] In an embodiment, the system further has a lever associated with the locking mechanism.

[0025] In an embodiment, the system further has a pole having a first end associated with one of the plurality of rods and further having a second end associated with another one of the plurality of rods.

[0026] It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system and a method that may be assembled and disassembled without removal of any of its components.

[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method having interconnected rods and joints that allow more efficient assembly and disassembly.

[0028] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method having netting permanently attached to the frame allowing uncomplicated assembly and disassembly.

[0029] Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method which has netting permanently attached to the frame to avoid entanglement of the netting.

[0030] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a partially folded state.

[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a partially folded state.

[0034]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0035]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a lateral joint element of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a lateral joint element in an unlocked state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a corner joint element in a locked state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a corner joint element in an unlocked state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a corner joint element in a locked state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a lateral joint element in a locked state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a corner portion of the apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIGS. 13a, 13 b and 13 c illustrate perspective views of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 14a illustrates an exploded view of a corner joint element in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 14b illustrates a side view of a corner joint element in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 14c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a corner joint element taken along lines C-C in FIG. 14b in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 14d illustrate a corner joint element in an unlocked, closed position in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 15a illustrates an exploded view of a lateral joint element in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 15b illustrates a side view of a lateral joint element in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 15c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lateral joint element taken along lines C-C in FIG. 15b in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 15d illustrate a lateral joint element in an unlocked, closed position in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The present invention generally relates to a collapsible net. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method having interconnected joints and rods, including attached netting, that allow the apparatus and/or system to be assembled and disassembled without separation and/or removal of any of its components.

[0053] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 1 in an unfolded state having a number of lateral joints 2 and corner joints 4. The lateral joints 2 and corner joints 4 may be connected to rods 6 and may be in a locked position when the apparatus 1 is in an unfolded state. The rods 6 may be constructed of, for example, steel or the like. A more detailed description of the lateral joints 2 and the corner joints 4 will be provided in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-15. The apparatus 1 further has netting 8 which may be constructed of any material known by those skilled in the art. The netting 8 may be attached, preferably, to a covering 10 which may be positioned substantially around the length of each of the rods 6. The covering 10 may be constructed of, for example, cloth or the like. Preferably, the color of the rods 6 may be white while the color of the covering 10 may be red; however, any color combination is possible for both the rods 6 and the covering 10. Alternatively, the covering 10 may be positioned around a portion of the length of each of the rods 6 such that the cover 10, having for example, the color red may only partially cover the length of each of the rods 6, having, for example the color white. The apparatus may be collapsed and erected without removal of any of the rods 6 from any of the lateral joints 2 and/or corner joints 4. Moreover, the apparatus 1 may be used, for example, to play hockey, soccer, or the any other game/sport requiring a net.

[0054]FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 1 in a partially folded state with the lateral joints 2 and the corner joints 4 in an unlocked position. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 1 in a partially folded state as the apparatus 1 may be collapsed even further than the position illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus 1 in a folded state. In a folded state, the apparatus 1 may be easily transported by a user. Throughout the collapsing or erecting of the apparatus 1, the rods 6 may not be disconnected from the lateral joints 2 or the corner joints 4. In addition, the netting 8 may not be entangled with any other element of the apparatus 1.

[0055]FIG. 5 illustrates an isolated view of a segment 500 of the lateral joint 2 in a locked state. The segment 500 has a first cap 502 and a second cap 503 attached at a hinge 504. The first cap 502 and the second cap 503 may be constructed of plastic, for example, or any other material known by those skilled in the art and may be sized to receive the rods 6 of the apparatus 1. The hinge 504 may consist of, for example, a screw, pin, or the like. The first cap 502 may have a first extended portion 506 that may be attached to a first end 510 of the first cap 502. The first extended portion 506 may surround the hinge 504. The second cap 503 may have a second extended portion 508 that may be attached to a second end 511 of the second cap 503. The second extended portion 508 may also surround the hinge 504.

[0056] The first cap 502 may also have a female portion 512 attached to the first end 510 of the first cap 502. The female portion 512 may preferably be hollow to receive a male portion 514 which may be attached to the second end 511 of the second cap 503. When the segment 500 is in a locked position, the male portion 514 may be positioned within the female portion 512. An end 516 of the male portion 514 may be larger than the remainder of the male portion 514 to rest against a hollow end 518 of the female portion 512 and provide resistance against disconnection of the male portion 514 from the female portion 512.

[0057]FIG. 6 illustrates an unlocked segment 600 in which the male portion 514 is removed from the female portion 512. The first cap 502 and the second cap 503 may be bent at the hinge 504 and may not be parallel as in the locked state.

[0058]FIG. 7 illustrates a segment 700 of a corner joint 4 in a locked position. The segment 700 also has a first cap 702 and a second cap 703 attached to a hinge 704. The first cap 702 and the second cap 703 may be attached to the hinge 704 at a corner 706 of the first cap 702 and a corner 708 of the second cap 703. The first cap 702 and the second cap 703 may be constructed, for example, of plastic or the like. The first cap 702 may have a first extended portion 710 attached at an end 712 which may have the shape of, preferably, a circular ninety-degree section. Protruding from the first extended portion 710 may be a female portion 714.

[0059] A male portion 716 may be attached to a side 718 of the second cap 703, preferably near an end 720 of the second cap 703. The male portion 716 may be sized to fit through the female portion 714 when the corner joint 4 is in a locked state. The male portion 716 may have an end 722 which may be shaped to rest against a back end 724 of the female portion 714 and may provide resistance against the disconnection of the corner joint 4 when the corner joint 4 is in a locked state. FIG. 8 illustrates a segment 800 of the corner joint 4 when the corner joint 4 is in an unlocked state.

[0060] The apparatus 1 may be assembled by locking the lateral joints 2 and the corner joints 4. To this end, the male portions 514 of the lateral joints 2 may be placed within the female portions 512 of the lateral joints 2. The ends 516 of each of the male portions 514 may rest against the back ends 518 of each of the female portions 512. Likewise, the male portions 716 of the corner joints 4 may be placed within the female portions 714. The ends 722 of each of the male portions 716 may rest against the back ends 724 of each of the female portions 714.

[0061] The apparatus 1 may be disassembled by unlocking the lateral joints 2 and the corner joints 4. The lateral joints 2 may be unlocked by removing the male portions 514 of the lateral joints 2 from the female portions 512 of the lateral joints 2. Further, the male portions 716 of the corner joints 4 may be removed from the female portions 714 of the corner joints 4.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described with the netting 8 attached to the covering 10, it should be understood that the netting 8 may also be directly attached to the rods 6 in a manner known by those skilled in the art.

[0063]FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention having a corner joint 900 that may be secured by additional components. A brace 902 having a hinge 906 may be connected to rod portions 908 at connecting points 904. The brace 902 may be constructed from metal, plastic, or the like and may be connected to the rod portions 908 by any means known to those skilled in the art. The brace 902 may be in a folded position when the corner joint 900 is in an unlocked state. The brace 902 may then be unfolded and straightened when the corner joint 900 is in a locked state to secure the corner joint 900 in a locked state.

[0064] A wedge 910 may also be implemented to secure the corner joint 900 in a locked state. The wedge 910 may be constructed from plastic, metal, or any other material known by those skilled in the art. The wedge 910 may be positioned within a back end 914 of a female portion 916 to complement the space that may be filled by a male portion 918 which may be positioned within the female portion 916. The wedge 910 may then prevent the male portion 918 from disengaging from within the female portion 916. Thus, the wedge 910 may provide stabilization to the corner joint 900 when the corner joint 900 is in a locked state. The wedge 910 may also be attached to the corner joint 900 by a cord 912 or any other means known to those skilled in the art.

[0065]FIG. 10 illustrates a lateral joint 100, in another embodiment of the invention, having a key 101. The key 101 may be inserted through a hole 105 in a female portion 512 after the female portion 512 receives the male portion 514. When the lateral joint 100 is in a locked state, the key 101 may be inserted above the male portion 514 to prevent the male portion 514 from disengaging from the female portion 512. The key 101 may be attached to the lateral joint 100 by a string 104 or any other means known to those skilled in the art.

[0066]FIG. 11 illustrates a corner segment 110 in another embodiment of the present invention. The corner segment 110 may be placed on a floor or ground and has a corner joint 115. The corner joint 115 may have a wedge 116 inserted within the female portion 117 of the corner joint 115. In addition, a slit 118 may be provided in a rod 125 which may be attached to the corner joint 115. A pole 130 may be inserted within the slit 120. The pole 130 may have an opposite end which may attach to a rod 210 positioned perpendicular to the rod 125. The connection of the pole 130 to the rod 125 and a rod 210 perpendicular to the rod 125 is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 12. The opposite end of the pole 130 may attach to the perpendicular rod 210 at a second slit or hole placed in the rod 210. Or, the pole 130 may be attached at both ends by any other means known to those skilled in the art. The pole 130 may be inserted within the slit 120 after the apparatus 1 is in an unfolded state to secure the apparatus 1 in an unfolded state.

[0067] In addition, the apparatus 1 may have a hole 135 which may be placed in a second rod 140. A pin 145 may be placed through the hole 135 and into the floor or ground upon which the apparatus 1 is placed. A stopper 150 may also be placed underneath the second rod 140 to keep the apparatus 1 from sliding. The stopper 150 may be constructed of rubber, plastic, or the like and may be shaped to fit around the second rod 140. The stopper 150 may also have a hole. Further, the stopper 150 may be aligned with the hole 135 in the second rod 140. The pin 145 may go through both the second rod 140 and the stopper 150 to secure the apparatus 1 to the ground.

[0068]FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 200. The pole 130 may be positioned within both the rod 125 and the perpendicular rod 210. The pole 130 may then secure the apparatus 200 in a locked state.

[0069]FIGS. 13a, 13 b, and 13 c illustrate a lateral joint 300 in another embodiment of the present invention. The lateral joint 300, as well as the lateral joint 100 shown in FIG. 10, may be used in place of or interchangeably with the lateral joint 2 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

[0070] The lateral joint 300 may have a first cap 302 and a second cap 304. The first cap 302 and the second cap 304 of the lateral joint 300 may be hollow. The first cap 302 has a first end 302 a and a second end 302 b; similarly, the second cap 304 has a first end 304 a and a second end 304 b. The first cap 302 may be constructed with two flat plates 310 attached to the top end 308 a of the first cap 302. The second cap 304 is manufactured with two outside flat plates 312 attached to the top end 308 b of the second cap 304. The two flat plates 310 of the first cap 302 may be attached to the two outside flat plates 312 of the second cap 304. The two flat plates 310 are constructed to fit inside the two outside plates 312 and may be connected, for example, by a bolt 314. The two flat plates 310 and the two outside plates 312, when connected, may rotate relative to each other such that an angle between the first cap 302 and the second cap 304 may range from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 180 degrees.

[0071] The lateral joint 300 may be in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 13c or may be in a locked and open position as illustrated in FIG. 13b. A second bolt 316 and a spring 318 attached to the two flat plates 310 may provide a locking mechanism for the lateral joint 300. The second bolt 316 and the spring 318 may be located in-between the two flat plates 310. An opening 320 in one of the two flat plates 310 may allow for the second bolt 316 to protrude from inside one of the two flat plates 310.

[0072] The protruding second bolt 316 may remain between one of the two flat plates 310 and one of the two outside flat plates 312. A hole 322 in one of the outside flat plates 312 may accept the protruding second bolt 318 when the first cap 302 and the second cap 304 have been rotated such that the bolt 318 moves relative to the hole 322. Preferably, the first cap 302 and the second cap 304 have an angle of approximately 180 degrees with respect to each other when the hole 322 accepts the protruding second bolt 318. Once the protruding second bolt 316 protrudes outside the hole 322 of one of the two outer flat plates 312, the lateral joint 300 may be in a locked position as illustrated in FIG. 13b.

[0073] To unlock the lateral joint 300, pressure may be applied to the second bolt 316 which, in turn, may compress the spring 318 and may allow for the second bolt 316 to move within one of the two outside flat plates 312 such that the first cap 302 and the second cap 304 are free to rotate.

[0074]FIGS. 14a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d illustrate a corner joint 400 in another embodiment of the present invention. The corner joint 400 may be constructed of, for example, steel, plastic, or the like. To this end, a first cap 402 may be attached to two inside plates 404. The two inside plates 404 may be integrally formed with the first cap 402 or may be secured by methods known to one skilled in the art. The two inside plates 404 may have a piece 403 attached to and between the two inside plates 404. The two inside plates 404 may further have a groove 405 in each of the two inside plates 404.

[0075] Further, a second cap 406 may be attached to two outside plates 408. The two outside plates 408 may be integrally formed with the second cap 406 or may be secured by methods known to one skilled in the art. The two inside plates 404 may fit between the two outside plates 408. The two inside plates 404 may be secured to the two outside plates 408, by, for example, a first nut 410 and a first bolt 412 and a second nut 414 and a second bolt 416. The second bolt 416 may be located substantially in or near a center 417 in each of the two inside plates 404, the two outside plates 408, and the piece 403 located between the two inside plates 404.

[0076] Further, the first bolt 412 may be located substantially near an outside perimeter 418 of the two outer plates 406. A lever 420 may be attached to the corner joint 400. The lever 420 may have a round end 424 and a straight end 426. The round end 424 of the lever 420 may have a hole 422 such that the first bolt 412 may secure the round end 424 of the lever 420 by insertion of the first bolt 412 through the outside plates 408, through the inside plates 404, and through the hole 422 of the lever 420. A spring 401, as shown in FIG. 14a, may provide tension for the lever 420.

[0077] The first cap 402 and the two inside plates 404 may rotate about the second bolt 416 relative to the second cap 406 and the two outside plates 408. The second cap 406 and the two inside plates 404 may also rotate about the second bolt 416 relative to the first cap 402 and the two inside plates 404. In a closed position 450, as shown in FIG. 14d, the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 are shown substantially parallel to each other.

[0078]FIG. 14c illustrates the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. After the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 are rotated to approximately a 90 degree angle, the corner joint 400 may be locked. More specifically, the corner joint 400 may be locked into a position with the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 14d, the lever 420 is in an unlocked position. The lever 420, as shown in FIG. 14c, is also in an unlocked position. Rotating the lever 420 in a downward direction may lock the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 in a 90 degree angle. The first cap 402 and the second cap 406 may be rotated to a 90 degree angle relative to each other. After first cap 402 and the second cap 406 are rotated to a 90 degree angle relative to each other, the round end 424 of the lever 420 may be rotated to the location of an indentation 428 of the piece 403. Rotating the round end 424 of the lever 420 into the indentation 428 of the piece 403 may prevent further rotation of the first cap 402 and the second cap 406 and the corner joint 400 may be locked. The corner joint 400 may be unlocked by rotating the round end 424 of the lever 420 to a position outside of the indentation 428 of the piece 403.

[0080]FIGS. 15a, 15 b, 15 c and 15 d illustrate a lateral joint 50 in another embodiment of the present invention. The lateral joint 50 has substantially the same features of the corner joint 400 except that two inside plates 54 may have a longer groove 505 cut into each of the two inside plates 54 to allow for greater rotation of a first cap 52 and a second cap 56 relative to each other.

[0081] The first cap 52 may be attached to two inside plates 54. The two inside plates 54 may be integrally formed and may have a piece 53 attached to and between the two inside plates 54. The longer groove 505 may be associated with each of the two inside plates 54. A second cap 56 may be attached to two outside plates 58. The two outside plates 58 may be integrally formed. The two inside plates 54 may fit between the two outside plates 58.

[0082] The two inside plates 54 may be secured to the two outside plates 58, by, for example, a first nut 513 and a first bolt 515 and a second nut 517 and a second bolt 519. The second bolt 519 may be substantially located in a center 517 of the of the two inside plates 54, the two outside plates 58, and the piece 53 located between the two inside plates 54. The first bolt 515 may be located substantially near an outside perimeter 521 of the two outer plates 506.

[0083] A lever 520 may be attached to the lateral joint 50. The lever 520 may have a round end 524 and a straight end 526. The round end 524 of the lever 520 may have a hole 522 such that the first bolt 515 may secure the round end 524 of the lever 520 by insertion of the first bolt 515 through the outside plates 508, through the inside plates 54, and through the hole 522 of the lever 520. A spring 501, as shown in FIG. 15a, may provide tension for the lever 520.

[0084] The first cap 52 and the two inside plates 54 may rotate about the second bolt 519 relative to the second cap 56 and the two outside plates 58. The second cap 56 and the two inside plates 54 may also rotate about the second bolt 519 relative to the first cap 52 and the two inside plates 54. In a closed position 550 as shown in FIG. 15d, the first cap 52 and the second cap 56 are shown substantially parallel to each other.

[0085]FIG. 15c illustrates the first cap 52 and the second cap 56 at a 180 degree angle relative to each other. After the first cap 52 and the second cap 56 are rotated to approximately a 180 degree angle, the lateral joint 50 may be locked. More specifically, the lateral joint 50 may be locked into a position with the first cap 52 and the second cap 56 at a 180 degree angle relative to each other.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 15d, the lever 520 is in an unlocked position. The lever 520, as shown in FIG. 15c, is in a locked position. The first cap 52 and the second cap 56 may be rotated to a 180 degree angle relative to each other. After first cap 52 and the second cap 56 are rotated to a 180 degree angle relative to each other, the round end 524 of the lever 520 may be rotated to the location of an indentation 528 of the piece 53. Rotating the round end 524 of the lever 520 into the indentation 528 of the piece 53 may prevent further rotation of the first cap 52 and the second cap 56 and the corner joint 500 may be locked. The corner joint 500 may be unlocked by rotating the round end 524 of the lever 520 to a position outside of the indentation 528 of the piece 53.

[0087] The corner joint 400, as well as the corner joint 700 shown in FIG. 7, may be used in place of or interchangeably with the corner joints 4 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The lateral joint 50, as well as the lateral joint 100 shown in FIG. 10, may be used in place of or interchangeably with the lateral joints 2 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

[0088] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of rods wherein each of the rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end; a plurality of lateral joints wherein each of the lateral joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods; a plurality of corner joints wherein each of the corner joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the second end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to one of the plurality of rods; a locking mechanism associated with each of the lateral joints and corner joints.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a covering on at least one of the plurality of rods.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a netting attached to the plurality of rods.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a lever associated with the locking mechanism.
 5. A method for assembling a net, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of joints; and arranging the plurality of rods and the plurality of joints to form a continuous frame without separating the plurality of rods from the plurality of joints.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: providing a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of: providing a lever associated with the locking mechanism.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of: rotating the lever to lock each of the plurality of joints to form the continuous frame.
 9. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: attaching a netting to the plurality of rods.
 10. A joint apparatus comprising: a first cap; a second cap; a hinge wherein the first cap and the second cap are connected to the hinge; and a locking mechanism associated with the hinge.
 11. The joint apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: an inside plate attached to the first cap; and an outside plate attached to the second cap wherein the inside plate and the outside plate are connected to the hinge.
 12. The joint apparatus of claim 10 wherein the locking mechanism locks the first cap and the second cap such that the first cap and the second cap are arranged linearly.
 13. The joint apparatus of claim 10 wherein the locking mechanism locks the first cap and the second cap such that the first cap and the second cap are arranged perpendicularly.
 14. The joint apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a lever associated with the locking mechanism wherein the lever is rotatable to one position to lock the joint and further wherein the lever is rotatable to a second position to unlock the joint.
 15. A system comprising: a plurality of rods wherein each of the rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end; a plurality of joints wherein each of the plurality of joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints; and a netting attached to the plurality of rods.
 16. The system of claim 15 further comprising: an inside plate associated with each of the plurality of joints; an outside plate associated with each of the plurality of joints; and a hinge wherein the inside plate and the outside plate are connected to the hinge.
 17. The system of claim 15 further wherein the first cap of one of the plurality of joints and the second cap of one of the plurality of joints are arranged linearly when the one of the plurality of joints is locked.
 18. The system of claim 15 further wherein the first cap of one of the plurality of joints and the second cap of one of the plurality of joints are arranged perpendicularly when the one of the plurality of joints is locked.
 19. The system of claim 15 further comprising: a lever associated with the locking mechanism.
 20. The system of claim 15 further comprising: a pole having a first end associated with one of the plurality of rods and further having a second end associated with another one of the plurality of rods.
 21. A method for folding a net, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of joints to form a continuous frame so support the net; relax the continuous frame by releasing the plurality of joints without separating the plurality of joints connected to the plurality of rods; folding the plurality of joints such that the plurality of rods collapse.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of: providing two lateral joints wherein the lateral joints are folded; and providing four corner joints wherein the corner joints are folded by collapsing the plurality of rods upon each other after folding the lateral joints.
 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of: providing a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints.
 24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of: rotating the lever to unlock each of the plurality of joints to collapse the continuous frame. 